In W Virginia (WV), residents and visitors bask abundant opportunities for outdoor adventures. In the southern office of the country, in particular, exploring the state'due south off-road trails in a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) or on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a pastime that continues to grow in popularity. Sadly, there are times when these adventures terminate tragically. ATV decease rates in WV are often some of the highest in the nation. In response to this tendency, the state legislature has passed specific ATV laws in WV to encourage riders to recreate more safely.

The Basics on ATV Laws in WV

Image of an ATV, representing the need for WV trail riders to know UTV and ATV laws in WV and how Logan County attorney Jason Harwood can help when people are injured while riding.

As more than people have gotten hooked on off-road trail riding, the machines available to help people explore the outdoors take expanded. A hobby that was, in the past, dominated by smaller ATVs or 4-wheelers—machines with handlebar steering and a straddle seat—now also includes larger UTVs or side by side vehicles with demote seats and steering wheels. WV UTV laws are the same as those that apply to ATV drivers and riders. In fact, ATV laws in WV employ to most any motorized vehicle that is made to be driven off-road.

In improver to WV ATV and UTV laws enacted in WV Code, the state allows municipalities, counties, and recreational facilities to impose additional rules and regulations. For example, when using the Hatfield McCoy Trails in Logan County or elsewhere in southern WV, riders must abide by the Hatfield McCoy Trail rules besides as WV ATV and UTV laws.

Knowing and following the regulations and rules that govern ATV use in WV helps keep riders safe. Various laws determine the responsibilities of riders, trail operators, rental companies, and manufacturers in WV. When injuries occur as the result of a breach of these responsibilities, a WV personal injury lawyer is needed to help evaluate who is at fault and get the injured individuals the compensation they deserve.

Can You lot Bulldoze a Side by Side on the Road in WV? What about a Four-Wheeler?

In some situations, you lot can drive a side by side or an ATV on the road in WV. However, the requirements are very specific and subject to the details of the road, the machine or vehicle you are driving, and even your destination.

Until 2020, the road laws for UTVs in WV, likewise as for other off-route vehicles, were defined by chapter 17F of WV Code. In 2020, the legislature passed Senate Bill 690, which added WV Lawmaking § 17A-13-1 for the purpose of regulating "special purpose vehicles" and assuasive the operation of these vehicles on some streets and highways.

With the exception of emergency responders in the line of duty, no i is allowed to operate an ATV on an interstate or other controlled-admission road organisation in WV. The regulations for other roads are more complicated.

On a road with a heart line or more than two lanes, unregistered ATVs are only allowed if the driver is travelling less than 10 miles from a residence or place of lodging to an off-route performance area (such equally a trail) or for the purpose of crossing the roadway. Vehicles that meet the requirements of WV Code § 17A-13-ane may register with the WV Division of Motor Vehicles, pay all related fees, and obtain a vehicle registration and license plate for their street-legal ATV. A registered ATV or UTV tin exist driven on a road with a middle line for no more than than xx miles.

When driving an ATV or UTV on a road with a center line or more than than two lanes, the vehicle must exist driven at speeds less than 25 miles per hour. If you are riding afterward sunset or before sunrise, the machine must have headlights and taillights, and the lights must be turned on.

When crossing a highway or any road with a center line or more than 2 lanes, the driver must cross at an approximately 90-degree bending to the highway at a location with a clear view of the road. The driver must completely stop the ATV before crossing and yield the right-of-manner to oncoming traffic in cases that pose a potential hazard. If the vehicle has headlights and taillights, these must be used when crossing.

UTV and ATV laws in WV do not impose any restrictions on 1-lane roads or roads that practise not have a eye line. Information technology is, therefore, generally legal to drive a side by side on the road in WV if the road fits this description and other regulations do not apply.

Local UTV and ATV Laws in WV

Metropolis and canton governments, owners and operators of trail systems, the WV Sectionalization of Natural Resource, and homeowners associations with local-say-so permission may allow or prohibit the utilize of ATVs or UTVs on roadways within their jurisdiction. Information technology is, therefore, important that ATV and UTV riders learn the rules that apply to the area where they will exist riding. For example, the Bearwallow Trail Organisation near Logan, WV is office of the Hatfield McCoy Trails. Riders on this trail system are subject area to WV UTV laws and the Hatfield McCoy Trail rules and regulations.

WV UTV Laws: Passengers and Protective Equipment

Passengers are not immune on ATVs in WV unless the vehicle is manufactured for multiple passengers. If a rider is under the historic period of 18, the driver must be 18 or older or, if nether eighteen, have at least a level two intermediate commuter'south license.

Riders under the historic period of 18 are required to vesture a helmet that fits well and meets standard z90.1 of the American National Standards Constitute, U.s.a. Section of Transportation federal motor vehicle rubber standard number 218, or the Snell condom standards for vehicle-user protective gear.

Companies that rent or lease ATV or UTV equipment in WV must provide appropriate helmets to riders who are under the age of eighteen and must make helmets available to anyone over the age of eighteen. For riders to be protected under this provision of the UTV and ATV laws in WV, they must provide their age and identification to the rental company.

Penalties and Responsibleness for Breaking UTV and ATV Laws in WV

Individuals and businesses who intermission UTV and ATV laws in WV tin can exist subject to ceremonious or criminal penalties. Equipment owners, such as rental companies, who permit their machines to be used unlawfully tin can be charged with a misdemeanor every bit can parents or guardians of children non following WV ATV or UTV laws. Additionally, property owners and manufacturers can be held responsible for injuries or decease when accidents occur equally a issue of negligence or wrongdoing.

Jason Harwood Is the Logan, WV Personal Injury Lawyer You Demand

If you lot have been injured or your loved one was killed in a WV ATV or UTV accident, you demand a personal injury and wrongful decease lawyer who knows the UTV and ATV laws in WV, also as the local regulations. Attorney Jason Harwood of Harwood Legal, PLLC in Logan, WV is that chaser. If yous demand legal help, contact him today by calling 304-752-5015 or completing his online contact form.